| Gorovitz & Borten, P.C. Attorneys at Law 550 Cochituate Road, Suite 25 Framingham, Massachusetts 01701 Tel: (781) 890-9095 |
| Genetic Misdiagnosis |
Genetic misdiagnosis may be the result of failure to provide genetic counseling
and/or genetic testing to a patient or couple at high risk of carrying and transmitting
a genetic defect to an offspring. Genetic testing is a test or complement of tests
designed to identify changes in chromosomes, genes or proteins that are
associated with inherited (hereditary) disorders. Although genetic testing is
voluntary, a medical provider must identify and offer a patient the opportunity to
avail himself/herself of the opportunity to find out its potential effects.
All organs (tissues) are composed of cells. Each cell has a nucleus that contains
DNA molecules packaged in thread like structures called chromosomes. Each
person contains 23 pairs of chromosomes; 22 of these pairs of chromosomes are
alike in men and women with the 23rd pair, known as sex chromosomes differing
between men and women. Each chromosome contains many genes. A gene is
made up of DNA that functions to transmit heredity. The DNA acts as a set of
instructions to make molecules known as proteins. The Human Genome Project
has estimated that humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes. Each person
has two copies of each gene inherited one from each parent.
Genetic testing are performed on a sample of blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid or any
type of tissue. Types of genetic testing include:
Up to 2% of infants have a significant structural abnormality and up to another 3%
will have a single gene disorder that will manifest itself before age 25. Thus, all
conceptions have up to 5% probability of an abnormal fetal outcome. Until recently,
basic preconception or prenatal screening consisted of a combination of a positive
family history, maternal serum screening and ultrasound surveillance at certain
stages of gestation. Most genetic disorders have a recurrence risk of between 25%
and 50%. Family history and past medical history alone can only detect up to 20%
of pregnant patients that have an increased risk of a potential genetic abnormality.
A genetic test can be positive, negative or inconclusive or indeterminate. Many
tests are not able to detect all genetic changes associated with a particular
disease. Interpretation of a genetic test invariably requires a healthcare
professional's interpretation. Failure to order an indicated test or refer a patient for
genetic counseling to an appropriate geneticist or genetic counselor could have
devastating consequences and constitute medical malpractice.
Examples of medical malpractice involving genetic misdiagnosis include:
If your child suffers from a genetic disease and you were not given the option to
undergo genetic counseling and/or genetic testing, Dr. Borten and the Boston area
medical malpractice attorneys at Gorovitz & Borten can help you assert your rights
and get the compensation you deserve.
and/or genetic testing to a patient or couple at high risk of carrying and transmitting
a genetic defect to an offspring. Genetic testing is a test or complement of tests
designed to identify changes in chromosomes, genes or proteins that are
associated with inherited (hereditary) disorders. Although genetic testing is
voluntary, a medical provider must identify and offer a patient the opportunity to
avail himself/herself of the opportunity to find out its potential effects.
All organs (tissues) are composed of cells. Each cell has a nucleus that contains
DNA molecules packaged in thread like structures called chromosomes. Each
person contains 23 pairs of chromosomes; 22 of these pairs of chromosomes are
alike in men and women with the 23rd pair, known as sex chromosomes differing
between men and women. Each chromosome contains many genes. A gene is
made up of DNA that functions to transmit heredity. The DNA acts as a set of
instructions to make molecules known as proteins. The Human Genome Project
has estimated that humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes. Each person
has two copies of each gene inherited one from each parent.
Genetic testing are performed on a sample of blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid or any
type of tissue. Types of genetic testing include:
- Carrier testing
- Preimplantation testing
- Prenatal testing
- Newborn testing
- Diagnostic testing
- Predictive testing in asymptomatic individuals
- Forensic testing
Up to 2% of infants have a significant structural abnormality and up to another 3%
will have a single gene disorder that will manifest itself before age 25. Thus, all
conceptions have up to 5% probability of an abnormal fetal outcome. Until recently,
basic preconception or prenatal screening consisted of a combination of a positive
family history, maternal serum screening and ultrasound surveillance at certain
stages of gestation. Most genetic disorders have a recurrence risk of between 25%
and 50%. Family history and past medical history alone can only detect up to 20%
of pregnant patients that have an increased risk of a potential genetic abnormality.
A genetic test can be positive, negative or inconclusive or indeterminate. Many
tests are not able to detect all genetic changes associated with a particular
disease. Interpretation of a genetic test invariably requires a healthcare
professional's interpretation. Failure to order an indicated test or refer a patient for
genetic counseling to an appropriate geneticist or genetic counselor could have
devastating consequences and constitute medical malpractice.
Examples of medical malpractice involving genetic misdiagnosis include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Fragile X syndrome
- Tay-Sachs
- Thalassemia
- Rh incompatibility
- Spina bifida
- Sickle cell disease
- Trisomy 13 (Patau's syndrome)
- Trisomy 18 (Edward's syndrome)
- Trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome)
If your child suffers from a genetic disease and you were not given the option to
undergo genetic counseling and/or genetic testing, Dr. Borten and the Boston area
medical malpractice attorneys at Gorovitz & Borten can help you assert your rights
and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Information
For a free confidential consultation and receive a response within 24 hours (when
possible), please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail with your question or concern.
Telephone: 781-890-9095 - Fax: 781-890-9098
Directions
Electronic mail:
Questions or Inquiries to: inquiry@gbmedlaw.com
For a free confidential consultation and receive a response within 24 hours (when
possible), please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail with your question or concern.
Telephone: 781-890-9095 - Fax: 781-890-9098
Directions
Electronic mail:
Questions or Inquiries to: inquiry@gbmedlaw.com
Website disclaimer: The materials on this website have been prepared by Gorovitz &
Borten, P.C. for informational purposes only and are not intended, and should not be construed
as legal advice. This information is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute a
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"Contact Us" form does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Internet and online readers should
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counsel. (See Terms and Conditions).
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